The art of the city
The folks at Americans for the Arts have long known that arts are good for our economic health. But just how good? They looked deeper.
Conducting a comprehensive study of the nation’s arts and culture industry, the advocacy organization documented that nonprofits alone generate $166.2 billion in economic activity annually and provide 5.7 million FTE jobs.
That’s sweet for Portland, which ranks sixth among the top 50 US cities for arts-related businesses, non- and for-profit, per thousand residents. With Portland home to some 2,194 arts businesses, from museums, symphonies, theaters and dance studios to film, architecture and advertising companies, we’ve got ourselves a powerful economic steam engine.
“Most Americans understand that the arts improve our quality of life,†says Americans for the Arts CEO Robert L. Lynch. “This study demonstrates that a vibrant arts and culture industry helps local businesses thrive.â€
Arts in America’s newest study, Creative Industries, documents both non- and for-profit arts businesses and workers in communities across the US. To find out how they stack up, check out http://www.artsusa.org/information_services/research/services/creative_industries/default.asp
More metrofacts:
While San Francisco, LA, Denver and others saw a decline in arts businesses from 2006-2007, Portland’s increased by 1%.
Among the Portland-metro region’s artsy businesses are 110 tattoo parlors.
